Over 6 tonnes of illegally imported food seized by SFA following multiple raids

About 6.8 tonnes of illegally imported food from Thailand and Myanmar, after raids conducted between May 11 to 13.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said its officers conducted raids at multiple locations, including an industrial building at Mandai Link and food retail establishments in Textile Centre and Peninsular Plaza.

Large quantities of processed and raw meat, as well as insect products, including beef, pork, chicken, mutton, pig’s blood and silkworms were found in a vehicle near the Mandai Link industrial building.

These food products had been illegally imported from Thailand without a valid licence.

Two permanent residents were also found operating an unlicensed cold store with 3 freezers in a warehouse at the industrial building.

During raids conducted at nine food retail establishments in Textile Centre and Peninsula Plaza, SFA officers detected the sale of illegally imported processed and raw meat as well as insect products from Thailand and Myanmar at eight of them.

These include duck, pork, mutton, and crickets. Three of the food retail establishments were also found to be operating without a valid licence.

SFA said investigations are under way.

"Illegally imported food products of unknown sources can pose a food safety risk," the agency said.

"In Singapore, food imports must meet SFA’s requirements.

"Food can only be imported by licensed importers, and every consignment must be declared and accompanied with a valid import permit.

"In addition, meat and its products can only be imported from accredited sources in approved countries that comply with Singapore’s food safety requirements."

Those convicted of possessing meat and seafood products imported without a valid permit for the purpose of selling can be fined up to $50,000, jailed for up to two years, or both. Repeat offenders can be fined up to $100,000, jailed for up to three years, or both.

Those who operate food establishments without a valid licence can be fined up to $10,000. Repeat offenders can be fined up to $20,000, jailed for up to three months, or both.

Offenders who store meat or seafood products in unlicensed facilities can be fined up to $10,000, jailed for up to 12 months, or both.

Those with information on such illegal activities can provide feedback, which will be kept confidential, via SFA’s online feedback form at www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback

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